Comic Coverage

Déjà vu All Over Again: Flash #123

In my previous post, I took a look at the classic "Flash of Two Worlds" story from Flash #123 (1961). Like many covers of its stature, it's inspired a number of tribute or "homage" covers. After some readers mentioned they were curious about them, I looked far and wide (who said I never do anything for you guys?) and came up with a bunch of 'em...which you can check out in the gallery below (click on the covers for larger views).

Several of the homage covers appeared within the "Flash Family" of titles, beginning only three years after the original with Flash #147 (left).  The center cover shows issue #123 (1997) of a second Flash series, this one starring Wally West, the former Kid Flash and successor to Barry Allen. Impulse #70 (2001) starred Barry's super-speedy grandson Bart Allen.

Other DC titles took a shot at evoking Flash #123, such as Action Comics #445 (1975), Son of Ambush Bug #3 (1986), and Silver Age #1 (2000).  Even Dark Horse Comics got in on the homage action with DHP #67 (1992).

So, there you go.  If I've overlooked a Flash #123 homage cover, click on the "comments" link at the bottom of this post and point me in the right direction.  I'll be sure to update the post with any additional covers.

Cover to Cover: Action Comics #1

"It's always best to start at the beginning."

-- Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz

In the Beginning...

Following Glinda's sage advice, I will indeed be starting Superman@70 month at the very beginning...all the way back to Action Comics #1!

Featuring the debut of Superman, the cover of Action Comics #1 was utterly unlike anything else on the newsstand, as you can see from the photo below (courtesy of Dial B for Blog). Note the sea of celebrity, detective, and women's magazines surrounding the spectacle of a costumed man hoisting a car over his head!

As everyone knows, the instant and enduring popularity of Superman made Action Comics #1 the most important comic book ever published...which naturally made it one of the most homaged covers as well.

Members of the Superman family were natural choices to star in tributes to their patriarch's debut, as seen here on the covers of Action Comics #685 (1993) and Superboy & Risk Double Shot #1 (1998).

(Click on the cover images for a larger view)

On the cover of Superman #136 (1998), a super-descendant in the year 2999 smashes a futuristic car as robots and aliens stand in for the original fleeing criminals.

Even the monstrous Bizarro and Scorn (a 90's pal of Superman's) offered their respective takes on the covers of Tales of the Bizarro World (2000) and Superman #124 (1997).

Some early superheroes of the Golden Age proved that homage covers are by no means an exclusively modern practice.

Only two years after Superman's debut, Whiz Comics #2 (1940) finds Captain Marvel throwing down the "anything you can do, I can do better" gauntlet by not only picking up a bulky Studebaker, but also hurling it (as well as its passengers) straight into a brick wall. Ironically, this cover and other (much more vague) similarities to Superman would bring an almost immediate lawsuit from DC Comics, ultimately resulting in Cap's demise.

Although I'm not entirely sure what's happening on that 1946 cover of Sensation Comics #51 (as is often the case with the wonky Golden Age Wonder Woman), the nod to Action Comics #1 is obvious. Despite the car's somewhat goofy perspective and diminutive size, note its similarity to the original model from Action Comics.

Back in the Modern Age, DC rival Marvel Comics got into the spirit of Superman's (then) 50^th anniversary with this cover from Amazing Spider-Man #306 (1988). A Superman analog named Mr. Majestic also "assumed the position" on the cover of Superman #201 (2004).

A few of the "Indies" have offered a more humorous interpretation of Action Comics #1, including Mike Allred's Madman and FYI's Fuzzy Bunnies from Hell.

 

Finally, the Man of Steel himself appeared on covers that weren't so much homages of Action Comics #1 as they were alternate perspectives of that famous scene.

For years, DC Comics assigned the divergent Golden Age (1940's) adventures of Superman to an alternate world named Earth-2. On the cover of Secret Origins #1 (1986), this version of Superman and his fellow Earth-2 oldsters relive his Studebaker-smashing debut via a magic crystal ball. A sharp eye will note that the crystal ball scene (as well as the issue's interior artwork) was drawn by the legendary Wayne Boring, the definitive Superman artist for much of the 1950's.

Action Comics #800 (2003) featured a cinematic shift in camera angle courtesy of renowned movie poster illustrator Drew Struzan (which was unfortunately the highlight of the entire double-sized issue).

Speaking of things cinematic, the movie Superman Returns (2006) featured its own tribute to Action Comics #1, causing fanboy heads to collectively explode with glee on opening night.

Of course, what's a milestone like the 70^th anniversary of Action Comics #1 without Legos?  A guy named Julian Fong cleverly captures the famous scene with the ubiquitous plastic blocks...right down to the broken front tire and terrified crooks!

Are there more Action #1 homage covers? Considering its age and influence...probably. If you know of any I've missed, please mention them in the comments section below or, better yet, email me a link or an image so I can post it as an update to this post.

UPDATE: Sure enough, here's another one (click on the image for a larger view). Paolo Bassotti from Italy alerted me to a cover of Leo Ortolani's Rat-Man. Paolo writes, "This brilliant superhero spoof/homage is probably the most successful Italian comic book of the last ten years. Its covers are very often tributes to the classics." Thanks, Paolo!  I wonder how many other international comics have done an Action Comics #1 homage?

UPDATE: Blake sent me a link to the limited edition hologram cover of Prime #1 (1993).  Doesn't that bring back memories of the early 90's and its glut of special-effect printing?  

Gotta admit, though...it looks pretty cool. Thanks, Blake!

UPDATE: Like I said in the comment section: AAAARRGGGHH! I can't believe I forgot about Fantastic Four #291 (1986)!  I remember it coming out only a few months before John Byrne was scheduled to take over the Superman titles...but apparently I didn't remember it enough to include it here. Thanks to my pal Paul for bringing it to my attention!

UPDATE: A couple more from Allen, one featuring Peter David's Fallen Angel and the other a print by Disney Duck artist Don Rosa (which is now officially my favorite Action Comics #1 homage cover). 

Thanks, Allen!

Cover to Cover: Superman #1

Much like I did several weeks ago for the famous cover of Action Comics #1, I thought I'd post all of the homage covers I could dig up for the slightly less famous, though no less memorable cover of Superman #1 (1939). In fact, design-wise, I think it's superior to Action Comics #1 (Gasp! Heresy!) 

Just as with Action #1, this batch "covers" much of the same ground. Some of them appeared on Superman-related titles, while others featured different heroes assuming the famous pose. Still others are the scrappy "Indies", whose obscurity lessens just a bit when they pay tribute to their dashing Patriarch.

Of course, just as before, I appeal to my readers to alert me to any Superman #1 homage covers I may have missed. There were several Action Comics #1 homages I wasn't aware of last time, and that's probably the case this time around as well....so feel free to leave a link in the comment section letting me know where to snag them!  I'll be sure to post them as updates to this post.

With that, enjoy the homage cover gallery of Superman #1. 

(click on the image for a larger view)

Cover to Cover: Reign of the Superman

The Multiple Monarchies of the Man of Steel!

 “Power corrupts, and absolute 

   power corrupts absolutely.”

   – Lord Acton

Ever since the famous 1938 cover of Action Comics #1, people have thrilled to the adventures of Superman.  From that dazzling debut onward, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creation has used his immense otherworldly powers in service to mankind.

Well….most of the time, that is.

You see, inherent in the concept of Superman’s power is the possibility of it being used not in service to mankind, but against it. In a flawed and fallen humanity, that sort of selfish choice would be the natural, logical way to go if we possessed that kind of power. In fact, Siegel and Shuster themselves thought as much during their first attempt to create a Superman character in 1933.

Published in their Science Fiction fanzine, “Reign of the Superman” told the story of a homeless man who was given mighty psionic powers (and telescopic vision) by a strange professor (a bald professor, by the way).  Immediately corrupted by his new powers, he named himself “The Superman” and set out to become Emperor of the World.

The following year, Jerry and Joe retooled the concept into a Superman more familiar to us today…but the spectre of such a powerful being deciding to rule mankind instead of saving it has never entirely disappeared from the character’s comics.

As a modest prelude to his worldwide ambitions as an adult, the cover of Superboy #32 (1954) featured “His Majesty, King Superboy" (as well as a strangely bald, Julius Schwartz-like Pa Kent). When old documents revealed that Smallville was actually its own royal kingdom and not part of the United States, Superboy assumed the legally required role of king until the paperwork could be straightened out.

When Kink Was King

Cover to Cover: Bring on the (really bad) Bad Guys IV

Part FOUR?! Are there really that many silly, cheesy, and downright lousy bad guys out there in the comic book universe?

Oh, you have no idea.

In fact, the more research I do, it seems that A-listers like Two-Face, Lex Luthor, and the Green Goblin are in the vast minority compared with the teeming masses of mediocrity that pass for comic book villainy.

For example, for every A-list Batman villain, there seems to be five or six losers like the Human Eraser, a “rubber headed” felon who, counter to the cover of Batman #188 (1966), was not able to erase matter.  Rather, he only covered up (or “erased”) the evidence of other criminals’ crimes for 20% of the take.

 

Mr. Engblom Goes to Washington

With so much to be angry and cynical about during this incredibly trying time in American history, I'm in need of an "idealism recharge"...which is why my family vacation in Washington D.C. will be such a nice reprieve.  Flying out later today, my wife and I, along with our two high schoolers, will tour Washington D.C. for the next several days. Never fear, the miracle of automatic posting will ensure that new posts will appear while I'm marinading in patriotic inspiration.

However, even with all that inspiration floating through America's capital city, a troubling fact remains: Washington D.C. has the second worst (per capita) crime rate in the entire nation! Don't believe me?  Here's the proof!

 (click on the cover gallery for super-size Washington D.C. crime!)

If I see any of the above activities in D.C., you'll be the first to know. Oh, I will be bringing my laptop along, so I'll be able to check in from time to time (maybe even with a photo or two)...so feel free to leave comments! For example, if you know of any more covers that feature Washington D.C. landmarks, post a list or a link!

Simply the Best: Bring on the Bad Guys!

In the age before elaborately painted comic book covers (and interiors, for that matter), seeing "realistically" rendered versions of your favorite comic book characters was an incredibly rare treat. In fact, due to the no-frills budgets of the average comic book, the only place you were likely to see the magic of multiple light sources was on the covers of more expensive magazines and paperback books.

Some of the most fondly remembered of these painted covers were Marvel's series of origin reprints, published by Fireside Books (click on the covers for a larger view). Origins of Marvel Comics (1974) featured the first stories of Marvel's biggest stars paired with one of their modern adventures, along with Stan Lee's reflections. It's sequel, Son of Origins (1975) stuck to the same format as it explored the beginnings of Marvel's second-tier heroes, while The Superhero Women (1977) focused on...well, you can probably figure it out. 

However, as great as these covers are (all illustrated by jazzy John Romita Sr), my absolute favorite remains the third volume of the origin series: 

BRING ON THE BAD GUYS (1976)

It's title obviously the inspiration for my looks at lousy comic book supervillains, this cover celebrated all that was good about being bad in the Marvel Universe. Looking like the poster of a movie I'd likely never see (at least until relatively recently), Bring On The Bad Guys reminded me why I loved these villains (and their heroic opponents) so much. Yeah, the "by Stan Lee" tag is poorly placed, but that minor nitpick is more Fireside's doing than Romita's...and easily overlooked when surrounded by such slick, cinematic artwork.

Of course, something this good doesn't always jump right out of the pencil and onto the page. Click on the image to the left to check out Romita's initial sketch for the cover. Still cool, of course, but obviously a bit too "Doom-centered" to show off the other evildoers effectively. For more interesting "behind the scenes" stuff from Romita's spectacular career, be sure to add John Romita, And All That Jazz! to your Christmas list. I can't recommend it high enough.

Super Self-Improvement for 2009!

As we all know, New Year's Day brings with it a renewed determination for self-improvement...even for comic book superheroes! 

Like Superman did at the dawn of his 70th year, he and his DC Comics colleagues kick off 2009 with some surprisingly common New Year's resolutions... 

(click on covers for a larger view)

A Happy & Healthy New 

Year to all of my readers!

UPDATE: To make your New Year's Day even happier, check out this hilarious piece at The Onion. Somebody over there knows their comics!

Cover to Cover: Seeing Double!

Eventually, if they're around long enough, every superhero will meet an identical double on the cover of their comic books. I've always been fond of "double covers", dating all the way back to Amazing Spider-Man #149 (1975), one of the first Spidey comics I bought from the ol' creaky spinner rack.

However, when it comes to meeting their double on covers, nobody (not even Superman or Batman) can touch the sheer, crazy number of double Wonder Woman covers. Boasting a mindblowing sixteen covers from across the decades, Wonder Woman (for whatever reason) met more multiples than any other superhero in comic book history. Most of those covers were published during the 1950's and early 1960's, so perhaps the armchair psychologists among us see a theory there.  

Well, whatever the reason, let's start seeing double (or even triple) with the Multiple Wonder Woman Cover Gallery.

  

P.S. Wonder Woman is also the champion of shrinking covers...so be sure to figure that into your theories as well, armchair psychologists!

Hippity-Hoppity, Easter's on it's way...

...and I'm outta here for the holiday weekend.  To my fellow Christians, have a blessed Easter...everyone else, have a great weekend!  See you on Monday!

Cover to Cover: Give Me Liberty (Covers)!

Since its official debut in October of 1886, the Statue of Liberty has become not only one of the world's most recognizable American icons, but a symbol of freedom and inspiration as well.

Because of this vaunted status, the Statue of Liberty has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, video games, books, and...of course...comic books. To start the July 4th festivities a few days early, I thought I'd take a stroll through various cover galleries searching out comic book covers that feature an image of Lady Liberty...fourteen of which you can see below.

However, I know there's a bunch more out there, so I encourage you to post specific titles and issue numbers for Statue of Liberty covers you'd like me to add.  I'll be sure to add your suggestions to a second "reader suggestions" gallery. Keep in mind I'd like the statue itself to appear on the cover, not characters resembling or based on the Statue of Liberty (such as Lady Liberty of the Freedom Fighters or the Force of July). With that...give me Liberty (covers)!

(click on the covers for a larger view)

 

 

UPDATE: You guys never let me down!  Here are

some Statue of Liberty covers suggested by readers:

(click on the images for a larger view)